Characteristics of Peer- and Adult-Oriented Children

Analyzing the responses of 482 sixth graders, classified as either peer oriented or adult oriented, reveals that while the peer-oriented children generally conform to a socially undesirable peer subculture, they are unsatisfied and anxious about it. They appear to be overly dependent upon the peer group and conform out of rather than choice. This necessity is created by a family in which the parents establish a climate of passive neglect thereby pushing the children from the home and forcing them to seek approval and affection elsewhere. Sex differences are discussed and comparisons made with other research.